20 Sep 20257:13 reconstruction895 views

JIA 5509 Multiple go arounds at KDCA! Unstable Approach to Radio Silence

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7/12/25 at DCA. Passengers on JIA5509 from Norfolk VA to DCA, got a rollercoaster triple approach to Rwy 1 1438Z first go-around due to unstable approach. Agrees a short approach from Potomac, turning back in for final again just South of the Wilson Bridge.

Timeline
Passengers on JIA5509 from Norfolk VA to DCA, got a rollercoaster triple approach to Rwy 1 1438Z first go-around due to unstable approach.
1.
Development of the situation
Agrees a short approach from Potomac, turning back in for final again just South of the Wilson Bridge.
2.
Response or continuation
Helicopter N8QV was doing some sort of low level operation near the beltway to the SW of the field, JIA5509 circled it on the first go-around (helicopter was not a factor in either go-around).
3.
Resolution or outcome described in the account
1442Z Approach gives JIA5509 the switch to Tower; no response from JIA5509.
4.

Accident Facts

Registration
N8QV
Aircraft
Helicopter
Airports
DCA (Washington Reagan)
Category
Go-around
Reconstruction
7:13

Helicopter N8QV was doing some sort of low level operation near the beltway to the SW of the field, JIA5509 circled it on the first go-around (helicopter was not a factor in either go-around). 1442Z Approach gives JIA5509 the switch to Tower; no response from JIA5509. Multiple calls follow from Tower, Approach and Departure.

Tower continues to communicate JIA5509 clear to land, also used light gun. 1445Z JIA5509 calls go-around audible on the LiveATC Departure feed. Finally makes contact with Tower ~20s later.

JIA5509 said they didn't get the switch from Potomac, saw the light gun but too late and decided to go-around.

Audio from the original air traffic control recording, sourced from public recordings and released investigation records. The reconstruction, animation and written account are our own.
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